Cristiano Ronaldo admits to having spoken with Sir Alex Ferguson, but claims a sensational return to Manchester United was not discussed.

Ronaldo sparked speculation regarding his long-term future at Real Madrid earlier in the season when admitting to feeling unsettled in Spain.

Those comments have since been swept under the carpet by Real, with it their intention to keep their prolific forward at Santiago Bernabeu for many years to come.

Ronaldo does appear to be enjoying his football once more and insists that talk of a big-money move to Old Trafford did not crop up during a recent meeting with United boss Ferguson, during a trip to Manchester to face City in the UEFA Champions League.

He said: "I met Alex Ferguson on the day of the game, he came to our hotel in Manchester to speak with Jose Mourinho.

"Of course I talked to him as well. We keep in touch. It was nice to see him again."

When informed that Ferguson has expressed a desire to bring him back to England, but that a hefty price tag may scupper his plans, Ronaldo added: "No. We didn't speak about that.

"We just talked about his times with Manchester United and mine with Real Madrid. We were just happy to see each other."

While keen to play down transfer gossip, Ronaldo does keep a close eye on how United are faring in the Premier League and is tipping them to wrestle the title back from arch-rivals City in 2012/13.

He said: "There are three or four teams who can perhaps win the league, which is why it is the most competitive anywhere in the world.

"It will be tough for every team but I think United will do it this year and win their title back.

"It won't be easy and it will be very close, but United are stronger in attack this season and that could be the difference."